Today was the first episode of Megyn Kelly’s AM update, which featured the headlines her team brings her in the news packet, which serves as deep background for the stories of the day.
Yes, I feel the same way. My husband loves the CBS morning show (blech!). He records it every week, and puts it on when we are just looking for something to watch at night. I try to ignore it and just read. It drives me so nuts that I now put my earbuds in and watch a youtube while he watches it. He says he doesn't watch it "for the politics" or news, just enjoys "the stories." I however see politics infecting the entire thing. It's like when you take the red pill, you really can't not see it anymore.
Haha so true! Impossible to unsee once we are gifted with discernment. MSM so gross and unpalatable, the constant bias, manipulation and button pushing. Good luck with the hubby!
I love your podcast and would love to hear more from you. I appreciate your perspective as someone who used to be on the Left, started to see things that made you uncomfortable, you followed your curiosity, and then you had the courage to speak up in spite of the likelihood you'd be canceled. For me, your opinions and insight hold much more weight given your trajectory, since it tells me you are a critical thinker, you have a flexible mindset and will course-correct if the information calls for it, and you have integrity. Plus I love your voice :) So, yes please, give us more!
I also find the left difficult to listen to, probably because I used to be one of them. Yeah, it was over 15 years since that time, but the absolute cringe bullshit they espouse is internally embarrassing.
Probably even more embarrassing realizing you thought the same insane crap with newly-redpilled folks like you, however.
i recently listened to an interview Dave Rubin did with Ro Khanna (DEM congressmen from CA 17). other than some of his economic positions (Sounds MAGA to me) his worldview / position on the issues are garbage. I appreciate his good faith effort to sit down with Rubin and make his case. Rubin said he has invited many DEMs but virtually all of them declined.
I like the idea but only on your terms. A simple observation. I’m a big reader of novels but lately some of my favorite authors are inputting their political opinions in their newest books, extremely upsetting. Just like Hollywood when I find out their politics I turn off. It’s upsetting because these are people I’ve admired. Sorry didn’t mean to off subject.
Exactly right. My favorite genre is psychological thrillers (lol) but the American ones have become completely woke. Like they have to have a gay character, a character of color, always bend toward social justice and if you object because it all feels so fake they say "oh you hate gays black people). John Grisham got all woke. Stephen King got too political. It's awful.
I used to read exclusively young adult fiction because it wasn't infected with endless gratuitous swearing and wokeness. Guess what? Anything published in the last 5 years is just as bad as adult fiction (minorities are always heroes, white people are always evil or inept, and there's always a gay or transgender couple) plus lots of swearing throw in. It's pretty frustrating.
The most recent book in one of my favorite series, about an LA detective, featured multiple mentions of the “insurrection”. Unnecessary and totally off-putting.
Thank you. I feel vindicated, I thought I was alone. Yes I tried to read a new Stephen King and was so put off. Greg Iles is another one. I’ve turned to older historical novels. Thanks
I was a big fan of Stephen King until he decided his opinion in politics was so darned important. Stick to what you know Mr. King! Politics ain't it, and I'll never read another of your books.
Oh I know exactly what you mean. I’m a big reader and can go through 2 books a week. I’ve had favorite authors for decades, reading their newest books as soon as possible. When an author adds political views to my dislike and dismay, I cut them from my list.
I’ve read virtually all the books of Thomas Sowell, and most of the books of Heather MacDonald, Charles Murray and Douglas Murray.
I’ve read books by
Steve Koonin (Unsettled)
Abigail Schrier (Irreversible Damage)
Robert Bryce (A Question of Power, and Power Hungry)
Henry Hazlitt (Economics in One Lesson and Man vs. The Welfare State)
Jonathan Haidt (The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion and The Coddling of the American Mind)
F.A. A. Hayek (The Constitution of Liberty and The Road to Serfdom)
Meredith Angwin (Shorting the Grid)
Probably 100 books on energy with specific emphasis on Nuclear power
Vaclav Smil (Numbers Don't Lie, Energy and Civilization, Grand Transitions, Size, transforming the 20th Century, Materials and Dematerialization: Making the Modern World)
I read countless books on a wide range of topics, including Climate Change, how to improve our national education, regenerative agriculture, statistics and math. male and female brains, cholesterol, diet and food, radiation, and probably 50 other topics.
Good list. I read about half and would have read more except for this evil device I’m typing on right now. Goodbye cruel world.... Or at least goodnight.
As a listener, I enjoy your cultural commentary, and that's not a 'news' show. In my opinion, I think your strengths lie parallel to Kelly/Taibbi etc etc in that all of you recognize how modern culture has been deteriorating under the boot of the woke cartels (such as BLM, University boards, etc etc) My down and dirty go to for the day's headlines is currently 1440; it's a quick encapsulation, and if I really needed to listen to it I'm sure I'd be able to finagle something on my phone to get an audio readout. For foreign affairs I catch The President's Daily Brief.
Your insights, based upon your intellect and experience is why I'm shelling out the sheckles. And that process requires a period of reflection; I don't need a 21st century Cronkite reading some stuff (and btw your voice is wayyy better!)
I'd rather hear you wrestle w/ The Fourth Turning Is Here. I read that damn book last Feb, and it's pretty much b/c you have it in the title of this blog. It's a monumental door stopper of a book, and frankly I think you could dip into parallels during this current reign of an oldster coming in, supported by the youngest generation to fix all the broken shit that's in front of us.
BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY...
I think you'd be stretching yourself too thin, Sasha. A DAILY news show? Sure, looks good on paper, but think about it... every damn day? And if you start missing days, your current readership will feel frustrated.
Taibbi's model seems to be working:
- he & Walter do 2 episodes a week, ending on some literature on Fridays.
- During the week, Matt usually drops 1 or 2 short pieces. They're OK, but I like it when instead he goes quiet for a while and then drops a significant piece. That downtime he has is what enables him to do the work. Yes, I realize that his paid base is enormous; my point is that he's had a system in place to feed his base...those of us that pay.
So again, I hope this post gives you pause. It's a wonderful ego stroke to have so many encourage you-- we love, love your work!
But listen... in a way, you're an entertainer. And I remember reading "Yes, I Can", the author, BACK IN THE 60'S was worried at one point about having too much exposure; in other words wearing out his welcome. Isn't there a showbiz motto 'Always Leave 'Em Wantin' More'?
Whatever decision you make, may God bless you and keep you.
Try listening to Coffee With Scott Adams... he's on every day at 7am Pacific (on YouTube, Rumble, X, and Locals).
He's a strong Trump supporter, but he covers "both sides" by pointing out their persuasion techniques, truthfulness (i.e., what's left out), hypocrisy, etc. in a very insightful manner. Plus, he's very funny.
I listen/read news all day so I don’t know if you would have anything new for me to know that I would have missed. Can’t commit to listening regularly. I just want to hear the news with no commentary unless I know it is an opinion and commentary piece
On a side note, I’ve been trying to give Trump the benefit of the doubt regarding all this DOGE business. I know much of it is necessary in order to trim the fat off government spending and decrease the deficit, but the firing of many staff members from our National Parks is very troubling to me. Our National Parks are a national treasure, and a huge part of our heritage as a country and are important for our health and wellbeing. From what I’ve heard, these funding cuts could be disastrous for our parks. Makes me think that Trump, Musk, and co. never go camping and think environmental protection is unimportant. I very strongly disagree with that. Hopefully this is temporary and once the dust settles they can reallocate funds towards the Parks. If not, this will seriously give me pause about supporting Trump going forward. It’s that important to me.
Much of the reporting on Doge cuts are not accurate, lots of hysteria being pushed through by media platforms not friendly to Trump/ Doge. The national parks reporting could be such a case. I’d like to know so will dig into it.
It’s all over my social media feeds. I’ve been pretty supportive of most of Trump’s policies, but this one is wrongheaded and pisses me off. Remember that it was Teddy Roosevelt, a conservative, that first established the National Parks. Also note that “Conservation” is at the root of the word “Conservative”.
Like I said, hopefully DOGE corrects this after the dust settles. Our national parks are an important part of our country’s heritage and must be protected.
Thank you for the information. There’s no need for this, doesn’t make sense. As the weather gets better, people are going to want to use the National Parks and this will be more likely in the news.
Yeah and it the Parks Service doesn’t even seem like a big part of our budget, most of the staffers are underpaid. I would think there are other areas of the government budget that are much more bloated and worthy of being cut.
I have read only a little about the cuts in the National Parks. But I believe the cuts thus far are staff hired within the past year. That is where the majority of all staff cuts in almost all departments have occurred- probationary employees. Methinks the msm is cleverly reporting the sky is falling.
You might be right about that. But some of my info is coming from my social media feeds, and from people who work at parks like Joshua Tree and Yosemite. Folks are worried about pollution, vandalism, sensitive ecosystems, endangered species, and simple things like bathrooms not getting cleaned.
Thanks Sasha. I listened to it early this AM. I kinda like the quick run down.
But what I really like is how much you support and highlight other thinkers. You've all become, for me, go to's for news and opinion; my own little circle of goodness.
Does it show as an email in the morning or do we need to log into her website? Virtually all of my engagement / content consumption with "FREE THINKING" is via Sasha's em or the link in said em. Does she post her content on You Tube and/or Rumble ?
Sasha, i’d love to hear your daily news and culture summary. You spend so much time online that you are uniquely qualified to deliver the goods. (How you do that and stay sane, I’ll never know.)
I loved how you used to have ’Today in Apology Culture’ on Awards Daily.
Also, listen to Jeff Childers’s Substack, Coffee and Covid News. He’s a lawyer who publishes about 9-9:30 Eastern time six days a week. He’s a good conservative and explains legal issues succinctly.
I am looking for something like this so that I can limit my online time. I need to know what is happening but I need a break from reading news 7-8 hours every day. I'm all for it!
Yes, I feel the same way. My husband loves the CBS morning show (blech!). He records it every week, and puts it on when we are just looking for something to watch at night. I try to ignore it and just read. It drives me so nuts that I now put my earbuds in and watch a youtube while he watches it. He says he doesn't watch it "for the politics" or news, just enjoys "the stories." I however see politics infecting the entire thing. It's like when you take the red pill, you really can't not see it anymore.
Haha so true! Impossible to unsee once we are gifted with discernment. MSM so gross and unpalatable, the constant bias, manipulation and button pushing. Good luck with the hubby!
Hard yes!! I wait patiently for your drops. Just love your thoughts/perspective! Oh, and… it needs to be audio.
I love your podcast and would love to hear more from you. I appreciate your perspective as someone who used to be on the Left, started to see things that made you uncomfortable, you followed your curiosity, and then you had the courage to speak up in spite of the likelihood you'd be canceled. For me, your opinions and insight hold much more weight given your trajectory, since it tells me you are a critical thinker, you have a flexible mindset and will course-correct if the information calls for it, and you have integrity. Plus I love your voice :) So, yes please, give us more!
Exactly what I was thinking but am incapable of saying it so eloquently.
I also find the left difficult to listen to, probably because I used to be one of them. Yeah, it was over 15 years since that time, but the absolute cringe bullshit they espouse is internally embarrassing.
Probably even more embarrassing realizing you thought the same insane crap with newly-redpilled folks like you, however.
i recently listened to an interview Dave Rubin did with Ro Khanna (DEM congressmen from CA 17). other than some of his economic positions (Sounds MAGA to me) his worldview / position on the issues are garbage. I appreciate his good faith effort to sit down with Rubin and make his case. Rubin said he has invited many DEMs but virtually all of them declined.
I do respect Ro for his openness. He also was a guest on PBD podcast. He is approachable.
But he is just so inauthentic. Ro is a big No from me.
I like the idea but only on your terms. A simple observation. I’m a big reader of novels but lately some of my favorite authors are inputting their political opinions in their newest books, extremely upsetting. Just like Hollywood when I find out their politics I turn off. It’s upsetting because these are people I’ve admired. Sorry didn’t mean to off subject.
Exactly right. My favorite genre is psychological thrillers (lol) but the American ones have become completely woke. Like they have to have a gay character, a character of color, always bend toward social justice and if you object because it all feels so fake they say "oh you hate gays black people). John Grisham got all woke. Stephen King got too political. It's awful.
I used to read exclusively young adult fiction because it wasn't infected with endless gratuitous swearing and wokeness. Guess what? Anything published in the last 5 years is just as bad as adult fiction (minorities are always heroes, white people are always evil or inept, and there's always a gay or transgender couple) plus lots of swearing throw in. It's pretty frustrating.
The most recent book in one of my favorite series, about an LA detective, featured multiple mentions of the “insurrection”. Unnecessary and totally off-putting.
Thank you. I feel vindicated, I thought I was alone. Yes I tried to read a new Stephen King and was so put off. Greg Iles is another one. I’ve turned to older historical novels. Thanks
I was a big fan of Stephen King until he decided his opinion in politics was so darned important. Stick to what you know Mr. King! Politics ain't it, and I'll never read another of your books.
Never a fan of Steven King. Not my genre of books I like. But now definitely would not read anything by that wacko.
Iles new book is unspeakable. I own all of his other novels and was a big fan.
see above
It is unspeakable. So disappointing.
Dean Kootz is keeping it real, still. No wokie with him. PS: he is also keeping it weird ;)
I’ve read some of his, but not one I try to read every book published by him. He’s a bit ‘out there’ for sure.
I Loved the Odd Thomas series and the Jane Hawk series...... both exceptional.
I’ll have to check those out 👍🏼
I really enjoyed the book you recommended “Borrowed Time” as well as the discussion you had with the author.
Oh I know exactly what you mean. I’m a big reader and can go through 2 books a week. I’ve had favorite authors for decades, reading their newest books as soon as possible. When an author adds political views to my dislike and dismay, I cut them from my list.
Thank you. I’m turning to older novels now.
That's what I'm doing - checking out authors I have not read, starting with their first book.
You could choose to read non-fiction.
I’ve read virtually all the books of Thomas Sowell, and most of the books of Heather MacDonald, Charles Murray and Douglas Murray.
I’ve read books by
Steve Koonin (Unsettled)
Abigail Schrier (Irreversible Damage)
Robert Bryce (A Question of Power, and Power Hungry)
Henry Hazlitt (Economics in One Lesson and Man vs. The Welfare State)
Jonathan Haidt (The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion and The Coddling of the American Mind)
F.A. A. Hayek (The Constitution of Liberty and The Road to Serfdom)
Meredith Angwin (Shorting the Grid)
Probably 100 books on energy with specific emphasis on Nuclear power
Vaclav Smil (Numbers Don't Lie, Energy and Civilization, Grand Transitions, Size, transforming the 20th Century, Materials and Dematerialization: Making the Modern World)
I read countless books on a wide range of topics, including Climate Change, how to improve our national education, regenerative agriculture, statistics and math. male and female brains, cholesterol, diet and food, radiation, and probably 50 other topics.
Good list. I read about half and would have read more except for this evil device I’m typing on right now. Goodbye cruel world.... Or at least goodnight.
Boy am I in the minority here...
As a listener, I enjoy your cultural commentary, and that's not a 'news' show. In my opinion, I think your strengths lie parallel to Kelly/Taibbi etc etc in that all of you recognize how modern culture has been deteriorating under the boot of the woke cartels (such as BLM, University boards, etc etc) My down and dirty go to for the day's headlines is currently 1440; it's a quick encapsulation, and if I really needed to listen to it I'm sure I'd be able to finagle something on my phone to get an audio readout. For foreign affairs I catch The President's Daily Brief.
Your insights, based upon your intellect and experience is why I'm shelling out the sheckles. And that process requires a period of reflection; I don't need a 21st century Cronkite reading some stuff (and btw your voice is wayyy better!)
I'd rather hear you wrestle w/ The Fourth Turning Is Here. I read that damn book last Feb, and it's pretty much b/c you have it in the title of this blog. It's a monumental door stopper of a book, and frankly I think you could dip into parallels during this current reign of an oldster coming in, supported by the youngest generation to fix all the broken shit that's in front of us.
BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY...
I think you'd be stretching yourself too thin, Sasha. A DAILY news show? Sure, looks good on paper, but think about it... every damn day? And if you start missing days, your current readership will feel frustrated.
Taibbi's model seems to be working:
- he & Walter do 2 episodes a week, ending on some literature on Fridays.
- During the week, Matt usually drops 1 or 2 short pieces. They're OK, but I like it when instead he goes quiet for a while and then drops a significant piece. That downtime he has is what enables him to do the work. Yes, I realize that his paid base is enormous; my point is that he's had a system in place to feed his base...those of us that pay.
So again, I hope this post gives you pause. It's a wonderful ego stroke to have so many encourage you-- we love, love your work!
But listen... in a way, you're an entertainer. And I remember reading "Yes, I Can", the author, BACK IN THE 60'S was worried at one point about having too much exposure; in other words wearing out his welcome. Isn't there a showbiz motto 'Always Leave 'Em Wantin' More'?
Whatever decision you make, may God bless you and keep you.
I concur!
Try listening to Coffee With Scott Adams... he's on every day at 7am Pacific (on YouTube, Rumble, X, and Locals).
He's a strong Trump supporter, but he covers "both sides" by pointing out their persuasion techniques, truthfulness (i.e., what's left out), hypocrisy, etc. in a very insightful manner. Plus, he's very funny.
He has a great show to start your day.
Coffee with Scott Adams is wonderful. Good thinker, insightful, humorous of course, logical and entertaining.
Unless he's changed since his book, he's more admirer than supporter. But VERY astute no matter how you slice it.
I listen/read news all day so I don’t know if you would have anything new for me to know that I would have missed. Can’t commit to listening regularly. I just want to hear the news with no commentary unless I know it is an opinion and commentary piece
Do you ever read / listen to any news outlets from Israel (JNS, haaretz, Jerusalem Post, Times of Israel and/or YNET) on news from the Middle East?
On a side note, I’ve been trying to give Trump the benefit of the doubt regarding all this DOGE business. I know much of it is necessary in order to trim the fat off government spending and decrease the deficit, but the firing of many staff members from our National Parks is very troubling to me. Our National Parks are a national treasure, and a huge part of our heritage as a country and are important for our health and wellbeing. From what I’ve heard, these funding cuts could be disastrous for our parks. Makes me think that Trump, Musk, and co. never go camping and think environmental protection is unimportant. I very strongly disagree with that. Hopefully this is temporary and once the dust settles they can reallocate funds towards the Parks. If not, this will seriously give me pause about supporting Trump going forward. It’s that important to me.
Much of the reporting on Doge cuts are not accurate, lots of hysteria being pushed through by media platforms not friendly to Trump/ Doge. The national parks reporting could be such a case. I’d like to know so will dig into it.
My nephew made me aware of this. I’m not a camper and hiker but he is. I guess I’ll have to try to find out more about this issue.
It’s all over my social media feeds. I’ve been pretty supportive of most of Trump’s policies, but this one is wrongheaded and pisses me off. Remember that it was Teddy Roosevelt, a conservative, that first established the National Parks. Also note that “Conservation” is at the root of the word “Conservative”.
Like I said, hopefully DOGE corrects this after the dust settles. Our national parks are an important part of our country’s heritage and must be protected.
Thank you for the information. There’s no need for this, doesn’t make sense. As the weather gets better, people are going to want to use the National Parks and this will be more likely in the news.
Yeah and it the Parks Service doesn’t even seem like a big part of our budget, most of the staffers are underpaid. I would think there are other areas of the government budget that are much more bloated and worthy of being cut.
I have read only a little about the cuts in the National Parks. But I believe the cuts thus far are staff hired within the past year. That is where the majority of all staff cuts in almost all departments have occurred- probationary employees. Methinks the msm is cleverly reporting the sky is falling.
You might be right about that. But some of my info is coming from my social media feeds, and from people who work at parks like Joshua Tree and Yosemite. Folks are worried about pollution, vandalism, sensitive ecosystems, endangered species, and simple things like bathrooms not getting cleaned.
Your evaluations are superb, which is why Real Clear Politics has featured you so often!
I have no idea how I came across you, not being American and not being in America, but your articles stood out immediately.
Your audience waits with bated breath for your next ...
"I do listen to audiobooks too but those are kind of hard to find - the good ones."
Please do share the ones you have found that are good! I have a similar conundrum.
Sasha had recommended “Borrowed Time” some time ago. I really enjoyed it. You can also find her discussion with the author.
Thanks Sasha. I listened to it early this AM. I kinda like the quick run down.
But what I really like is how much you support and highlight other thinkers. You've all become, for me, go to's for news and opinion; my own little circle of goodness.
Does it show as an email in the morning or do we need to log into her website? Virtually all of my engagement / content consumption with "FREE THINKING" is via Sasha's em or the link in said em. Does she post her content on You Tube and/or Rumble ?
I listen through the podcast app on my phone.
Please do it! I love your podcast style and would tune in for sure. :)
Sasha, i’d love to hear your daily news and culture summary. You spend so much time online that you are uniquely qualified to deliver the goods. (How you do that and stay sane, I’ll never know.)
I loved how you used to have ’Today in Apology Culture’ on Awards Daily.
Also, listen to Jeff Childers’s Substack, Coffee and Covid News. He’s a lawyer who publishes about 9-9:30 Eastern time six days a week. He’s a good conservative and explains legal issues succinctly.
I am looking for something like this so that I can limit my online time. I need to know what is happening but I need a break from reading news 7-8 hours every day. I'm all for it!